Few gems for viewers among networks’ fall lineups

"Partners," a sitcom starring David Krumholtz (left) and Michael Urie, is among the new offerings on CBS' fall schedule. MATT KENNEDY, CBS

The five broadcast networks unwrapped their fall schedules over the past week, and for viewers the collective gift was much more like a pair of pajamas than a new bike.

The new shows for the most part look unambitious, with an emphasis on soap operas, crime shows and familiar-looking sitcoms – although after last fall's disastrous new offerings we will be happy if a couple of them are merely good.

The most notable departure was "CSI: Miami," which will be retired after 10 years on the job at CBS.

Also getting the ax at CBS were freshman dramas "Unforgettable," "NYC 22" and, of course, "A Gifted Man," which most of us had forgotten was still on.

The bigger news at CBS concerns schedule changes for two of its top shows. "The Mentalist" shifts to Sundays, "Two and a Half Men" to Thursdays.

Its new shows (which we will discuss at greater length as the season approaches): a period crime drama set in Las Vegas, a contemporary take on Sherlock Holmes, a cop show set in New Jersey and a buddy sitcom called "Partners."

***

NBC, not surprisingly, canceled about half of its lineup: "Harry's Law," "Awake," "Best Friends Forever," "Are You There, Chelsea?" and "Bent" joined several others that already had been axed.

Cult-favorite "Community" got shipped, along with "Whitney," to Friday nights, where lower ratings are more tolerable.

NBC will be comedy heavy during the next TV year, planning four new ones for the fall and three more for mid-season.

The biggest news here also is a shift: "The Voice" will move from spring to fall.

***

ABC chopped three very new series: "GCB," "The River" and "Missing," along with "Cougar Town," which moves to TBS. Otherwise, it is clinging to its successful soaps-and-sitcoms formula.

"Revenge" will move to the old "Desperate Housewives" slot on Sundays, followed by the new Gothic soap, "666 Park Avenue." "Last Man Standing" goes to Fridays, paired with a new Reba McIntire sitcom.

"Partners," a sitcom starring David Krumholtz (left) and Michael Urie, is among the new offerings on CBS' fall schedule. MATT KENNEDY, CBS
"CSI" meets "Mad Men," sort of, in "Vegas," a new CBS drama starring Dennis Quaid (second from right) as a sheriff who brings law and order to mobbed-up Sin City in the '60s. LOREY SEBASTIAN, CBS
"Community" managed to stay on the air despite lackluster ratings, but it has been relegated to the ratings ghost town of Friday nights. LEWIS JACOBS, NBC
Mindy Kaling plays an OB/GYN dealing with professional and personal issues in the new Fox comedy "The Mindy Project," premiering in the fall. BETH DUBBER, FOX
Jordana Spiro, left, stars as a physician with underworld obligations in "Mob Doctor." NATHANIEL BELL, FOX
Kevin Bacon stars as an ex-FBI agent who is called out of retirement to track down a diabolical serial killer in "The Following," which will premire midseason. FOX

1 of

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.